Alfonso Giovanni Attardo

Dad, Alfonso Giovanni Attardo, was born January 2, 1946 in Termini Imerese, Sicily Italy.

Son of Gaspare e Guiseppa Attardo and is survived by his younger brother Guiseppe and sister Giovanna.

Dad spent his first 19 years in Italy where he became a young man, Dad enjoyed the family life, he enjoyed sport growing up and spending time with friends, He started working at a young age to help with the family and when he attended school, he learned the Tailor and Printing trades.

At the age of 19, Dad’s family made the decision to Immigrate to Canada and arrived by ship into Halifax on July 6, 1965 and into Winnipeg 3 days later to be with family.

Arriving into Canada had its challenges as no one in my Dad’s family spoke English, however it was not long before Dad was working full time and supporting his family.

His Dad was not much liking Canada, and it may have been the great winter storm of 1966 that steered him back to Italy, but it was difficult for all of them as his parents and younger sister moved back to Italy not long after which meant leaving my Dad and his brother to forge a life in Canada.

Dad’s first job was at a local fancy Tailor shop; he also worked at the flourmill and California Leather. In late 1966, early 1967, my Dad met the love and partner of his life, my Mom Maria.

My Dad continued to work but was not happy with what he was doing, Mom urged my Dad to complete his schooling for Graphic Arts, which he did from Red River College in June of 1969. In fact, he was so good based on his earlier teaching in Italy that his College teacher asked him to assist teaching the class that he was enrolled in.

Mom and Dad were then married one month later in July of 1969 at St Mary’s Cathedral in Winnipeg.

The honeymooners jetted off to Toronto and actually decided to stay for a few years.

In early 1972, a young lad was conceived and a decision was made to return to where their first child Rino was born in November of 1972.

Now grounded in Winnipeg once again, Dad got back to work, and in the printing business specifically. During the next few years my Dad and Uncle’s opened a few printing shops before he eventually opening his own.

As I was such a good child, Mom and Dad decided to have another child in January of 1977, my sister Nadine.

During this time, my Mom and Dad had moved from a new apartment on Concordia Ave to a new home on Ravenhill Crescent and by Nadine’s birth were settled into their second new home 8 months later on Flett Ave, their home of approximately 12 years.

A great home it was, backing onto a park and beautiful area before it soon became even more special when Mom’s parents “Ma and Pa” moved in 4 houses down.

My parent’s youngest and 3rd child Ashley was born in November of 1984 and 2 years later Mom and Dad moved into their current home in East St Paul Manitoba.

This was the home our Dad had the largest influence on and if you know my Dad you would understand why.

My Dad worked very hard his entire life and the blessings and fruits of his labor became evident with the opening of Mid Canada Press, which he operated for many years.

Later some difficulties arose, but again after this and with the support of my Mom, a new successful business was opened for many more years, West Can Web and Graphics.

Dad retired in his late 60’s, but never truly retired as he still brokered printing work/jobs and enjoyed it very much.

Dad was blessed with 9 Grandchildren that he loved very, very much. The oldest is Dylan followed by Kyla, Giordano, Tyler, Adriano, Ethan, Noah, Aviana and Taven.

To see any one of his kids and grandkids always brought a big smile to Dad’s face and I still here little Noah calling endlessly for Papa.

My sister’s and I, along with my mom, could spend countless hours and days discussing my Dad’s life, but here are some that I would like to mention today:

Family

Family was number one to Dad, nothing came before and everything else was after in good time.

I speak for our entire family when I say that there is nothing Dad would not do for us. I mean nothing. In fact, I am sure that Dad was forced to learn how to do so many things because we were always asking.

We relied on Dad but also loved having him around.

In fact I know all of us as kids enjoyed having our parents around for dinner and events. We laughed so much. There is no question Mom and Dad were meant to be together because we shared so much joy. They would joke back and forth and both with passion.

I remember not many years ago, my wife said to me, Rino we can’t keep asking your Dad all the time. Of course I think I looked like a dear in headlights.

Another fun thing amongst us kids was to discuss New Years Eve; it didn’t matter if it was 10 months away. It would always get us laughing out loud. Dad wished to relax, go to the Cabin and Mom wanted to Dance and share the New Year with family & friends at a party. Dad always gave in and always had a good time.

He was an incredible dancer and as I have been told many times, very good looking.

Our family time including time with brothers, sisters, uncles/aunts cousins and so many friends Dad considered as family was second to none.

Outdoors

I know as my Dad is in Heaven, he is truly enjoying the outdoors. Not only did he enjoy it, he respected God’s creation. Haha … moving to East St Paul was the farthest my Dad could convince my Mom to move and be outside of the City and then later convinced Mom to buy a Cabin in Belair that they loved and it holds great memories.

He loved, loved to fish; I sincerely think that as much as he loved fishing he just enjoyed being in the company with family friends and away from the noise. To not see a single building. He marveled at the beauty, the water, and wildlife.

We have all been blessed by Dads love of nature as we enjoyed travel and trips to so many places growing up. We couldn’t ask for more and have amazing memories.

Animals

Dad could have been a veterinarian; man did he love animals, dogs, cats, birds and so much more. We watched as Dad brought back to health so many animals … birds with broken wings, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, prairie chicken and a goose! It was truly amazing, the funny thing was that my Mom was not a fan and it made for some really good humor and a little stress at times J

Love

Man was Dad loved, what my Dad was, which is difficult in today’s day and age, is he was genuine.

He was not a deceiver, not a liar, always fair and he cared and I think people knew that. He would always take the extra time where so many of us don’t to check in with people, to say hi, see how they were doing.

Dad had a way of brightening up the room with his presence and words and we always listened intently. Dad always told us his Mom was a saint, a true saint, well I can guarantee you this was passed on to

Dad. In our hearts he is a saint.

Dad had few vices, he was gentle and not abusive, it took allot to get Dad mad but of course as youngsters we may have evoked it a few times and maybe my Mom a few times too haha.

He smoked but quit cold turkey in his 40’s, and I really can’t remember my Dad ever having too much to drink. If he did it was very, very rare. He wasn’t a gambler; Mom would have a hard time convincing Dad to bring an extra bottle across the border.

He respected everything and was respected by all.

Dad, as Kyla mentioned, you are in every one of us now and forever and you will always be with us.

There is nothing more you needed to teach us and yet so much more we still wanted to learn. We will try and honor that Dad, honor everything you were and are.

I love you Honey, We love you Dad, We love you Papa.